NIR-triggered upconversion nanoparticles@thermo-sensitive liposome hybrid theranostic nanoplatform for controlled drug delivery

Posterior segment ocular diseases are highly prevalent worldwide due to the lack of suitable noninvasive diagnostic and therapeutic tactics. Herein, concerning this predicament, we designed a hybrid retina-targeted photothermal theranostic nanoplatform (UCNPs@Bi@SiO2@GE HP-lips), based on the unique upconversion luminescence (UCL) imaging of upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs), efficient photothermal conversion ability of Bi nanoparticles, and thermal-induced phase transition properties of the liposomes (lips). The nanoplatform was functionalized with penetratin (PNT) and hyaluronic acid (HA), to obtain retina-targeted liposomes (HP-lips). Lipophilic genistein (GE) was entrapped into the liposomes (GE HP-lips). An in vitro release study showed NIR irradiation could photothermally trigger controlled release of GE from the liposomal platform. Moreover, cellular uptake evaluation via UCL imaging demonstrated UCNPs@Bi@SiO2@GE HP-lips represented the brightest UCL, compared with other formulations, which is beneficial for the accurate evaluation of the prognosis and severity of angiogenesis-related posterior segment disorders. Therefore, UCNPs@Bi@SiO2@GE HP-lips exhibit promising potential as a theranostic nanoplatform for posterior segment ocular diseases.